Cutting Balloon Angioplasty for Severe In-Stent Restenosis after Carotid Artery Stenting: Long-Term Outcomes and Review of Literature

PURPOSE

Cutting balloon-percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (CB-PTA) is a feasible treatment option for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, the longterm durability and safety of CB-PTA for ISR after CAS have not been well established.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with ISR after CAS who had been treated with CB-PTA from 2012 to 2021 in our center. Detailed information of baseline characteristics, periprocedural and long-term outcomes, and follow-up imaging was collected.

RESULTS

During 2012-2021, a total of 301 patients underwent CAS. Of which, CB-PTA was performed on 20 lesions exhibiting severe ISR in 18 patients following CAS. No patient had any history of receiving carotid endarterectomy or radiation therapy. These lesions were located at the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery (n=16), proximal external carotid artery (n=1), and distal common carotid artery (n=1). The median time interval between initial CAS and detection of ISR was 390 days (interquartile range 324-666 days). The follow-up period ranged from 9 months to 9 years with a median value of 21 months. Four patients (22.2%) were symptomatic. The average of stenotic degree before and after the procedure was 79.2% and 34.7%, respectively. Out of the 18 patients receiving CB-PTA, 16 (88.9%) did not require additional stenting, and 16 (88.9%) did not experience recurrent ISR during the follow-up period. Two patients who experienced recurrent ISR were successfully treated with CB-PTA and additional stenting. No periprocedural complication was observed in any case.

CONCLUSION

Regarding favorable periprocedural and long-term outcomes in our single-center experience, CB-PTA was a feasible and safe option for the treatment of severe ISR after CAS.

Emerging Concept of Intracranial Arterial Diseases: The Role of High Resolution Vessel Wall MRI

Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by distinct pathologies, including atherosclerosis. Advances in magnetic resonance technology have enabled the visualization of intracranial arteries using high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI). This review summarizes the anatomical, embryological, and histological differences between the intracranial and extracranial arteries. Next, we review the heterogeneous pathophysiology of ICAD, including atherosclerosis, moyamoya or RNF213 spectrum disease, intracranial dissection, and vasculitis. We also discuss how advances in HR-VWI can be used to differentiate ICAD etiologies. We emphasize that one should consider clinical presentation and timing of imaging in the absence of pathology-radiology correlation data. Future research should focus on understanding the temporal profile of HR-VWI findings and developing quantitative interpretative approaches to improve the decision-making and management of ICAD.

Basilar tip morphology: impact on mechanical thrombectomy for acute distal basilar artery occlusion

BACKGROUND

The morphology of the basilar artery tip (BAT) varies between patients. The morphologic anatomy of the BAT could affect the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

METHODS

108 patients with acute distal basilar artery occlusion (dBAO) who underwent MT from January 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups based on their BAT morphology: those with symmetrical cranial or caudal fusion of the BAT (symmetric group) and those with asymmetrical fusion of the BAT (asymmetric group). Morphological variables and angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Of the 108 enrolled patients, 42 were in the asymmetric group. Compared with the symmetric group, the asymmetric group had significantly larger BAT diameter (mean 3.5±1.0 mm vs 4.3±1.1 mm, P=0.001) and basilar artery tip/trunk ratio (1.2±0.2 vs 1.7±0.2, P<0.001). The asymmetric group showed a significantly lower rate of complete reperfusion (71.2% vs 40.5%, P=0.002) and first pass effect (FPE) (51.5% vs 21.4%, P=0.002) than the symmetric group. The BAT asymmetry was an independent predictor of failed FPE (OR 0.299, 95% CI 0.098 to 0.918, P=0.035) and failed complete reperfusion (OR 0.275, 95% CI 0.087 to 0.873, P=0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of MT for dBAO differs according to the anatomic morphology of the BAT. The asymmetric BAT was frequently encountered in dBAO patients and was independently associated with a reduced likelihood of complete reperfusion and FPE.

Accessible and reliable neurometric testing in humans using a smartphone platform

Tests of human brain circuit function typically require fixed equipment in lab environments. We have developed a smartphone-based platform for neurometric testing. This platform, which uses AI models like computer vision, is optimized for at-home use and produces reproducible, robust results on a battery of tests, including eyeblink conditioning, prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle response, and startle habituation. This approach provides a scalable, universal resource for quantitative assays of central nervous system function.

CIMT 2023: report on the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy

The Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the CIMT Annual Meeting. CIMT2023 was held 3-5 May 2023 in Mainz, Germany. 1051 academic and clinical professionals from over 30 countries attended the meeting and discussed the latest advances in cancer immunology and immunotherapy research. This report summarizes the highlights of CIMT2023.

Prophylactic clipping using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system after complex ESD and EMR of large colon polyps

BACKGROUND

Delayed bleeding is the most frequent complication after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large colon polyps. Today, prophylactic clipping with through-the-scope clips (TTSCs) is commonly used to reduce the risk of bleeding. However, the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system might be superior to TTSCs in achieving hemostasis. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic clipping using the OTSC system after ESD or EMR of large colon polyps.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective collected database from 2009 until 2021 of three endoscopic centers. Patients with large (≥ 20 mm) colon polyps were enrolled. All polyps were removed by either ESD or EMR. After the resection, OTSCs were prophylactically applied on parts of the mucosal defect with a high risk of delayed bleeding or/and perforation. The main outcome measurement was delayed bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients underwent ESD (67%, 50/75) or EMR (33%, 25/75) in the colorectum. The mean resected specimen diameter was 57 mm ± 24.1 (range 22-98 mm). The mean number of OTSCs placed on the mucosal defect was 2 (range 1-5). None of the mucosal defects were completely closed. Intraprocedural bleeding occurred in 5.3% (ESD 2.0% vs. EMR 12.0%; P = 0.105), and intraprocedural perforation occurred in 6.7% (ESD 8% vs. EMR 4%; P = 0.659) of the patients. Hemostasis was achieved in 100% of cases of intraprocedural bleeding, whereas two patients required surgical conversion due to intraprocedural perforation. Among the remaining 73 patients who received prosphylactic clipping, delayed bleeding occurred in 1.4% (ESD 0% vs. EMR 4.2%; P = 0.329), and delayed perforation occurred in 0%.

CONCLUSIONS

The prophylactic partial closure of large post-ESD/EMR mucosal defects using OTSCs could serve as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding and perforation. The prophylactic partial closure of large complex post-ESD/EMR mucosal defects using OTSCs could serve as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding and perforation.

Association between blood pressure and endovascular treatment outcomes differs by baseline perfusion and reperfusion status

We hypothesized that the association between BP and endovascular treatment (EVT) outcomes would differ by baseline perfusion and recanalization status. We identified 388 ICA or M1 occlusion patients who underwent EVT ≤ 24 h from onset with successful recanalization (TICI ≥ 2b). BP was measured at 5-min intervals from arrival and during the procedure. Systolic BPs (SBP) were summarized as dropmax (the maximal decrease over two consecutive measurements), incmax (the maximal increase), mean, coefficient of variation (cv), and standard deviation. Adequate baseline perfusion was defined as hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) ≤ 0.5; infarct proportion as the volume ratio of final infarcts within the Tmax > 6 s region. In the adequate perfusion group, infarct proportion was closely associated with SBPdropmax (β ± SE (P-value); 1.22 ± 0.48, (< 0.01)), SBPincmax (1.12 ± 0.33, (< 0.01)), SBPcv (0.61 ± 0.15 (< 0.01)), SBPsd (0.66 ± 0.08 (< 0.01)), and SBPmean (0.71 ± 0.37 (0.053) before recanalization. The associations remained significant only in SBPdropmax, SBPincmax, and SBPmean after recanalization. SBPincmax, SBPcv and SBPsd showed significant associations with modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months in the pre-recanalization period. In the poor perfusion group, none of the SBP indices was associated with any stroke outcomes regardless of recanalization status. BP may show differential associations with stroke outcomes by the recanalization and baseline perfusion status.

Rivaroxaban attenuates neutrophil maturation in the bone marrow niche

Pharmacological inhibition of factor Xa by rivaroxaban has been shown to mediate cardioprotection and is frequently used in patients with, e.g., atrial fibrillation. Rivaroxaban's anti-inflammatory actions are well known, but the underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood. To date, no study has focused on the effects of rivaroxaban on the bone marrow (BM), despite growing evidence that the BM and its activation are of major importance in the development/progression of cardiovascular disease. Thus, we examined the impact of rivaroxaban on BM composition under homeostatic conditions and in response to a major cardiovascular event. Rivaroxaban treatment of mice for 7 days markedly diminished mature leukocytes in the BM. While apoptosis of BM-derived mature myeloid leukocytes was unaffected, lineage-negative BM cells exhibited a differentiation arrest at the level of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors, specifically affecting neutrophil maturation via downregulation of the transcription factors Spi1 and Csfr1. To assess whether this persists also in situations of increased leukocyte demand, mice were subjected to cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R): 7 d pretreatment with rivaroxaban led to reduced cardiac inflammation 72 h after I/R and lowered circulating leukocyte numbers. However, BM myelopoiesis showed a rescue of the leukocyte differentiation arrest, indicating that rivaroxaban's inhibitory effects are restricted to homeostatic conditions and are mainly abolished during emergency hematopoiesis. In translation, ST-elevation MI patients treated with rivaroxaban also exhibited reduced circulating leukocyte numbers. In conclusion, we demonstrate that rivaroxaban attenuates neutrophil maturation in the BM, which may offer a therapeutic option to limit overshooting of the immune response after I/R.

A Review of Endovascular Treatment for Posterior Circulation Strokes

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute posterior circulation strokes (PCSs) is recommended based on evidence from anterior circulation strokes (ACSs). Two recent randomized controlled trials showed that endovascular treatment (EVT) leads to better functional outcomes than those of the best medical care. However, many studies have shown that patients undergoing PC-EVT have a higher rate of futile recanalization than those undergoing AC-EVT. The characteristics and outcomes of PC-EVT may differ according to the pathological mechanisms, including cardioembolism, intracranial atherosclerosis, and tandem vertebrobasilar occlusion. We reviewed PC-EVT outcomes reported in recent studies and discussed technical considerations for maximizing treatment efficacy according to the etiology of a PCS.

A Nationwide Web-Based Survey of Neuroradiologists' Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Software for Neuro-Applications in Korea

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate current expectations and clinical adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) software among neuroradiologists in Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In April 2022, a 30-item online survey was conducted by neuroradiologists from the Korean Society of Neuroradiology (KSNR) to assess current user experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and future expectations regarding AI for neuro-applications. Respondents with experience in AI software were further investigated in terms of the number and type of software used, period of use, clinical usefulness, and future scope. Results were compared between respondents with and without experience with AI software through multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 73 respondents, accounting for 21.9% (73/334) of the KSNR members; 72.6% (53/73) were familiar with AI and 58.9% (43/73) had used AI software, with approximately 86% (37/43) using 1-3 AI software programs and 51.2% (22/43) having up to one year of experience with AI software. Among AI software types, brain volumetry software was the most common (62.8% [27/43]). Although 52.1% (38/73) assumed that AI is currently useful in practice, 86.3% (63/73) expected it to be useful for clinical practice within 10 years. The main expected benefits were reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks (91.8% [67/73]) and improving reading accuracy and reducing errors (72.6% [53/73]). Those who experienced AI software were more familiar with AI (adjusted odds ratio, 7.1 [95% confidence interval, 1.81-27.81]; P = 0.005). More than half of the respondents with AI software experience (55.8% [24/43]) agreed that AI should be included in training curriculums, while almost all (95.3% [41/43]) believed that radiologists should coordinate to improve its performance.

CONCLUSION

A majority of respondents experienced AI software and showed a proactive attitude toward adopting AI in clinical practice, suggesting that AI should be incorporated into training and active participation in AI development should be encouraged.

Interactive Direct Interhospital Transfer Network System for Acute Stroke in South Korea

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interhospital transfer is an essential practical component of regional stroke care systems. To establish an effective stroke transfer network in South Korea, an interactive transfer system was constructed, and its workflow metrics were observed.

METHODS

In March 2019, a direct transfer system between primary stroke hospitals (PSHs) and comprehensive regional stroke centers (CSCs) was established to standardize the clinical pathway of imaging, recanalization therapy, transfer decisions, and exclusive transfer linkage systems in the two types of centers. In an active case, the time metrics from arrival at PSH ("door") to imaging was measured, and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT) were used to assess the differences in clinical situations.

RESULTS

The direct transfer system was used by 27 patients. They stayed at the PSH for a median duration of 72 min (interquartile range [IQR], 38-114 min), with a median times of 15 and 58 min for imaging and subsequent processing, respectively. The door-to-needle median times of subjects treated with IVT at PSHs (n=5) and CSCs (n=2) were 21 min (IQR, 20.0-22.0 min) and 137.5 min (IQR, 125.3-149.8 min), respectively. EVT was performed on seven subjects (25.9%) at CSCs, which took a median duration of 175 min; 77 min at the PSH, 48 min for transportation, and 50 min at the CSC. Before EVT, bridging IVT at the PSH did not significantly affect the door-to-puncture time (127 min vs. 143.5 min, p=0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

The direct and interactive transfer system is feasible in real-world practice in South Korea and presents merits in reducing the treatment delay by sharing information during transfer.

Abstract WMP81: Dynamic Changes In Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis In Serial Follow-up Of High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Pathophysiology of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) development and subsequent stroke occurrence is diverse, including cholesterol deposition, arterial dissection, and intrinsic vasculopathies. To differentiate these specific etiologies, performing high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) has increased. However, the information on serial change of ICAS on HR-MRI was limited.

Methods: Patients hospitalized at a tertiary university hospital for AIS and who took HR-MRI more than twice between 2015 and 2019 were collected. Two specialists manually segmented the contour of the culprit and reference vessel's inner lumen, outer wall, and plaque. The stenotic degree, remodeling index, and enhancement signal were measured for the culprit lesion at each examination.

Results: A total of 202 HR-MRI examinations from 93 patients were analyzed. The Median follow-up was 270 days (118-390). The ranges of the serial change in stenotic degree (-86% to 41%), remodeling index (-83% to 266%), and enhancement signal (-85% to 71%) were very diverse. Changes in stenotic degree and enhancement according to the initial stenotic degree were insignificant. On the other hand, the change in enhancement signal was greater in the initially more enhanced lesions (0.1±23.0; mild vs. -23.1±22.6; moderate vs. -35.5±28; severe, p difference <.001) and in the other determined etiology (-14.6±22.8; large atherosclerosis vs. -30.7±30.8; other determined vs. -0.8±30.2; etc., p difference =.005).

Conclusions: ICAS showed very dynamic changes in the follow-up HR-MRIs. To identify the underlying etiology, such as arterial dissection and Moyamoya disease, serial HR-MRI will be helpful.

Abstract TMP62: High Levels Of Ldl Cholesterol And Hb A1c Hindering Mitigation Of Intracranial Arterial Diseases After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) may have dynamic temporal changes which high-resolution MR (HR-MR) images can visualize. Until now, there is only limited evidence on the risk factor for the evolution of ICAD after ischemic stroke.

Method: We have collected acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to a single referral stroke center between 01/2015 and 06/2019 with baseline and follow-up HR-MR images on their ICAD lesions. A total of 246 patients were identified, and for the current pilot study, HR-MR images from 93 patients were used. Degree of stenosis on T1/gadolinium-enhanced (Gd) T1 sequences, remodeling index on proton-density sequence, and enhancement signal on Gd-T1 sequence were measured. Temporal changes were defined as (1-([parameters at the initial]/[parameters at the follow-up])*100. The temporal changes of image parameters were compared by bivariate baseline blood risk factors, such as LDLC ( ≥ 100 vs. <100 mg/dL) and HbA1c ( ≥ 6.5 vs. <6.5%).

Result: A total of 93 patients were analyzed for the pilot study. Temporal changes in the degree of stenosis, remodeling index, and enhancement signal of ICAD lesion were -19.6 ± 50.3%, 2.9 ± 45.6%, and -15.0 ± 31.6%, respectively. ICAD parameters were further mitigated in lower levels of selected markers, such as the degree of stenosis (-24.9±37.6% from lower vs. -16.0±57.5% from higher LDLC, P =0.37; -23.0±54.9% from lower Hb A1c vs. -9.3±32.3% from higher Hb A1c, P =0.16) and the enhancement signal (-18.0±29.1% from lower vs. -12.9±33.2% from higher LDLC, P=0.45; -17.1±32.2% from lower Hb A1c vs. -6.5±28.4% from higher Hb A1c, P=0.17). Linear associations between change in the enhancement signal and LDLC in higher LDLC (B=0.38, P=0.01) and degree of stenosis and Hb A1c in higher Hb A1c (B=0.49, P=0.02) were observed.

Conclusion: ICAD lesions in acute ischemic stroke patients may have temporal appearance changes. Baseline LDLC and Hb A1c levels may be used as a marker for the evolution of ICAD.

Microvascular tissue perfusion after postcatheterization pseudoaneurysm treatment

BACKGROUND

Femoral pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a severe complication after endovascular procedures. Ultrasound-guided manual compression (MC) and percutaneous thrombin injection (TI) are frequently used treatments. MC is less effective, TI may cause thromboembolic events.

OBJECTIVE

Up to date, there is no data regarding impairment of microvascular tissue perfusion after PSA treatment.

METHODS

In this single-center, prospective study 22 patients with PSA were included. We compared macro- and microcirculatory perfusion in the treated and untreated leg at baseline before, after and one day after treatment. Leg perfusion was assessed with ultrasound and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Microcirculatory perfusion of the feet was measured with a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) camera generating StO2-tissue-maps.

RESULTS

Successful PSA thrombosis was achieved in 16 (100%) patients in TI group and in 4 (66.7%) patients in MC group. There was no evidence of arterial thrombi on ultrasound and the ABI did not differ between groups. NIRS StO2-tissue-maps of the feet showed no significant difference in both groups concerning the treated (p = 0.121) or the untreated (p = 0.198) leg during follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small exploratory study, there was no evidence of micro- and macrovascular tissue perfusion impairment after treatment of postcatheterization femoral pseudoaneurysm with thrombin injection underscoring the safety of this approach.

Analyse des patients hospitalisés pour COVID-19 lors du premier confinement de 2020 à l'aide de méthodes d'explicabilité

Introduction

La pandémie de COVID-19 a rapidement mis une forte pression sur les centres hospitaliers et en particulier sur les services de réanimation [1]. Il y eut lors du premier confinement un besoin urgent d'outils permettant d'identifier les patients hospitalisés les plus à risque de subir une aggravation de leur état, ainsi qu'une meilleure compréhension de la typologie des patients COVID-19.

Méthodes

Les données contiennent des informations sur des patients hospitalisés au Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil à cause de la COVID-19 lors de la première vague de l'épidémie (printemps 2020). Les variables explicatives disponibles sur les patients étaient l'âge, le sexe, plusieurs comorbidités et les résultats des examens radiologiques et biologiques. Un modèle d'ensemble d'arbres stimulé (« Boosted Tree Ensemble » [2, 3]) a été appliqué pour détecter si l'état du patient allait s'aggraver pendant l'hospitalisation. L'analyse des effets de chaque variable explicative ainsi que des effets d'interaction entre deux variables ont été effectuées en utilisant des méthodes d'explicabilité, domaine aussi appelée intelligence artificielle explicable [4]. Une stratification de la typologie des patients [5] a été réalisée en utilisant techniques de regroupement (clustering) et de sélection d'instances.

Résultats

Il y avait 409 patients, dont 176 (43 %) avaient subi une aggravation pendant leur séjour hospitalier. La précision globale (« accuracy ») du modèle prédictif était de 75 % pour le modèle de risque tandis que le score ROC AUC était de 81 %. Les variables explicatives les plus importantes étaient l'âge, la gravité du scanner thoracique et les variables biologiques telles que la CRP, la saturation en oxygène et les éosinophiles. Plusieurs variables ont montré de forts effets non linéaires, en particulier pour la sévérité du scanner, comme indiqué dans la Figure 1. Des effets d'interaction ont également été détectés entre l'âge et le sexe ainsi qu'entre l'âge et les éosinophiles. Trois principaux sous-groupes de patients ont été identifiés. Le patient le plus représentatif de chaque groupe est indiqué dans la Figure 2. Le premier groupe présentait un risque très faible d'aggravation de l'état de santé (pas de facteur de risque), le deuxième groupe présentait un risque plus élevé d'aggravation, mais toujours inférieur à 50 % (leur seul facteur de risque était un âge avancé), tandis que le troisième groupe avait le pronostic le plus défavorable (plusieurs facteurs de risque comprenant un âge avancé, plusieurs comorbidités, une sévérité CT élevée et des valeurs biologiques anormales).

Discussion

Les méthodes d'explicabilité ainsi que les techniques de regroupement et de sélection d'instances ont permis de mieux comprendre les effets des variables explicatives. Cela a aussi permis de déterminer les principales typologies des patients hospitalisés, facilitant ainsi la définition et l'amélioration des protocoles médicaux pour fournir les soins les plus appropriés à chaque profil [6].

Mots clés

COVID19; Intelligence artificielle; Explicabilité; Clustering

Déclaration de liens d'intérêts

Les auteurs n'ont pas précisé leurs éventuels liens d'intérêts.

Evolution du profil des patients hospitalisés au cours des trois premières vagues de COVID-19 par des techniques d'apprentissage automatique

Introduction

La COVID-19 a rapidement évolué d'une épidémie locale à une pandémie mondiale, obligeant la plupart des pays à prendre de fortes mesures pour contenir la propagation au cours des différentes vagues et soulager la pression sur les centres hospitaliers, en particulier sur les unités de soins intensifs. Une abondante littérature a détaillé les caractéristiques des patients et les facteurs de protection et de risque lors du l'éclatement de la pandémie [1]. Malheureusement, très peu d'études ont ensuite été menées pour décrire l'évolution de ces caractéristiques au cours des vagues ultérieures [2,3]. De plus, comme les premiers facteurs de risque identifiés étaient pluriels (de l'âge aux comorbidités, multiples interactions) les méthodes classiques d'analyse ne suffisent pas à obtenir une compréhension précise de la population à risque de développer des formes sévères de COVID-19.

Méthodes

Les données ont été recueillies prospectivement au Centre hospitalier intercommunal de Créteil sur plus d'un an, correspondant aux trois premières vagues de COVID-19 en France. Les caractéristiques disponibles étaient l'âge, le sexe et de nombreuses comorbidités. La variable cible indiquant si le patient avait développé une forme sévère (ventilation mécanique, réanimation, décès) de COVID-19 pendant son l'hospitalisation. L'évolution des caractéristiques entre les cas non sévères et sévères au fil des vagues a été analysée en couplant un modèle d'apprentissage automatique [4] à une méthode d'explicabilité produisant des influences locales [5]. Ainsi, chaque patient se voit associé un niveau de risque (une probabilité d'être un cas sévère) et un score de contribution de chacune de ses variables explicatives, permettant de repérer les facteurs de protection et de risque.

Résultats

Il y avait 1076 patients sur les trois vagues: 429 pour la première vague, 214 pour la deuxième et 433 pour la troisième. Les formes sévères concernaient respectivement 29 %, 31 % et 18 % de chaque vague. Les facteurs de risque de la première vague comprenaient l'âge avancé (≥70 ans), être un homme et des comorbidités telles que le diabète et l'obésité, tandis que les problèmes cardiovasculaires apparaissaient comme un léger facteur de protection. Il y avait de plus des effets d'interaction entre l'âge et les autres variables importantes. La deuxième vague présentait moins de facteurs de risque, puisque seuls l'âge avancé (≥70 ans) et le fait d'être un homme étaient des informations importantes. Lors de la troisième vague, l'âge avancé (≥70 ans) a également été identifié comme un facteur de risque mais de manière plus hétérogène que pour les vagues précédentes. Être un homme et les comorbidités telles que l'obésité, la grossesse ainsi que les problèmes cardiovasculaires et pulmonaires sont également apparus comme des facteurs de risque mais il n'y avait pas d'interaction avec l'âge.

Discussion

La typologie des patients hospitalisés atteints de formes sévères de COVID-19 a rapidement évolué au fil des vagues. L'analyse a notamment mis en évidence que les facteurs de risque étaient beaucoup plus hétérogènes pour la troisième vague. Cette évolution peut être due aux changements des pratiques hospitalières à mesure que la maladie était mieux comprise ainsi qu'à la campagne de vaccination [6] ciblant en premier lieu les personnes comme à haut risque telles les personnes âgées ou présentant des comorbidités.

Mots clés

COVID; 19; Intelligence artificielle; Explicabilité

Déclaration de liens d'intérêts

Les auteurs n'ont pas précisé leurs éventuels liens d'intérêts.

Excess mortality in Aspirin and Dipyrone (Metamizole) co-medicated in patients with cardiovascular disease: a nationwide study

Background

Pain is a serious issue in our aging society. Metamizole is one of the most commonly used analgesics. In addition, metamizole has been shown to attenuate the pharmacodynamics response to aspirin as measured by platelet function tests. However, the extent to which this laboratory effect translates to clinical outcome in patients is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide analysis based on health insurance database including 9.2 million patients in Germany. All patients with a cardiovascular event in 2014 and subsequent secondary prevention with aspirin were followed up for 36 months. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed to examine mortality rates between patients on aspirin-metamizole co-medication and aspirin medication alone. Myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) events were also documented.

Results

26,200 patients received continuous aspirin medication alone and 5,946 received co-medication with aspirin and metamizole. In the IPTW analysis, significantly increased mortality was observed in the co-medication group (15.6% vs. 24.4%, hazard ratio (HR)=1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–1.76; p&lt;0.0001). MI and stroke/TIA were also increased (MI: 1,370 [5.2%] vs. 355 [5.9%]; HR=1.18, 95% CI 1.05–1.32; p=0.0066, relative risk (RR) 1.14, absolute risk increase (ARI) 0.71%, number needed to harm (NNH) 140. Stroke/TIA: 1,901 [7.3%] vs. 506 [8.5%]; HR=1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.35; p&lt;0.0001, RR 1.17, ARI 1.21%, NNH 82).

Conclusion

In this nationwide observational study, aspirin-metamizole co-medication was associated with excess mortality. This was partly due to ischemic events (MI and stroke/TIA), which were also more frequent in the co-medication patients. Therefore, metamizole should be used with caution in aspirin-treated patients for secondary prevention

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Development of CMR-derived aortic stiffness parameters in patients with metabolic comorbidities after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Aortic stiffness has demonstrated an independent prediction of adverse cardiovascular events after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) [1]. The general impact of the comorbidities diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), anemia on aortic stiffness is well known [2,3]. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of metabolic comorbidities on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived aortic parameters early and 6 months after STEMI.

Methods

From the prospective STEMI pathway, 161 patients (mean age: 63.7 years; 75% male) with initial CMR 5 days after STEMI were included. 105 patients pursued in a 6-month follow-up CMR. Aortic stiffness was assessed using different parameters: 1) pulse wave velocity (PWV) from velocity-encoded phase-contrast images, 2) aortic distensibility, and 3) radial strain from the ascending aorta obtained from cine images. DM was diagnosed when either pre-existing, HbA1c ≥6.5% at index hospitalization or 2-hour OGCT ≥200 mg/dl. CKD was present when glomeruli filtration rate (GFR) was less than 60 ml/min/m2, Anemia was defined according to WHO classifications.

Results

Of the 161 patients, 46 presented with anemia at admission, 79 with anemia at day 5, 26 with CKD and 57 with DM. Initial anemia resulted in a significantly lower distensibility (p=0.003) and aortic strain (p=0.02). A correlation between initial haemoglobin levels and distensibility (r=0.253; p=0.002) was found. CKD Patients showed a lower distensibility (p=0.012). There were correlations between GFR and PWV (r=−0.298; p&lt;0.001), distensibility (r=0.370; p&lt;0.001), and radial strain (r=−0.388; p&lt;0.001). After 6 month this significant correlation remained. The DM group showed higher PWV values (p=0.02) and a lower radial strain (p=0.003). PWV showed a correlation with the 2-hour OGCT value (r=0.249; p=0.011) while the radial strain correlated with HbA1c (r=0.216; p=0.007). After multivariable analyses, diabetes remained the only significant predictor to show higher PWV (p=0.004) and poorer radial strain values (p=0.0045) while initial anemia remained the only significant predictor of lower distensibility (p=0.0033). Aortic stiffness parameters did not show any changes after 6 months in all groups. Only NTproBNP 5 days after STEMI correlated significantly with 6-months PWV (r=0.247; p=0.02), radial strain (r=0.36; p=0.001), distensibility (r=−0.226; p=0.018).

Conclusion

Anemia, DM and CKD show a detrimental impact on values of aortic stiffness early after STEMI. Diabetes remains the only significant predictor of higher PWV and poorer radial strain values after multivariable analysis while initial anemia remains significant predictor of lower distensibility. After 6 months none of the groups showed improvement in aortic stiffness parameters.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Sonderforschungsbereich 1116

The impact of pre-existing chronic heart failure on the intensive care treatment and outcome of old intensive care patients suffering from COVID-19

Background

Patients suffering from COVID-19 with pre-existing chronic heart failure (CHF) are considered to have a significant risk regarding morbidity and mortality. Similarly, older patients on the intensive care unit (ICU) constitute another vulnerable subgroup. This study investigated the association between pre-existing CHF and clinical practice in critically ill older ICU patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Patients with severe COVID-19 and who were ≥70 years old were recruited from this prospective multicenter international study. Patients' treatment, follow-up, and pre-existing heart failure data were collected during ICU stay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examined the association between pre-existing heart failure and the primary endpoint of 30-day mortality.

Results

The study included 3,917 patients, with 407 patients (17%) evidencing pre-existing CHF. These patients were older (77±5 versus 76±5, p&lt;0.001) and more frail (Clinical Frailty Scale 4±2 versus 3±2, p&lt;0.0001). The other comorbidities were also significantly more common in CHF patients. Before hospital admission, CHF patients suffered fewer days from symptoms (5 days (3–8) versus 7 days (4–10), p&lt;0.001), but there was no difference in the days in the hospital before ICU admission (2 days (1–5) versus 2 (1–5) days, p=0.21). At ICU admission, disease severity assessed by SOFA scores was significantly higher in CHF patients (7±3 versus 5±3). During ICU-stay, intubation, mechanical ventilation, and tracheostomy occurred significantly more often in patients without CHF (63% versus 69%, p=0.017; and 13% versus 18%, p=0.002, respectively). In contrast, there was no difference regarding non-invasive ventilation (28% versus 27%, p=0.20), and the need for vasoactive drugs (66% versus 64, p=0.30). Regarding the limitation of life-sustaining therapy, therapy was significantly more often withheld (32% versus 25%, p=0.001) but not withdrawn (18% versus 17%, p=0.21) in CHF patients. Length of ICU stay was significantly shorter in CHF patients (166 (72–336) hours versus 260 hours (120–528), p&lt;0.001). CHF patients had significantly higher ICU- (52% versus 46%, p=0.007), 30-day mortality (60% vs. 48%, p&lt;0.001; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.5–2.3) and 3-month mortality (69% vs. 56%, p&lt;0.001). In the univariate regression analysis, having pre-existing CHF was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.5–2.3; p&lt;0.001), but after adjusting for confounders (SOFA, age, gender, frailty), heart failure was not independently associated any more (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 0.5–1.5; p=0.137).

Conclusion

In critically ill old COVID-19 patients, pre-existing chronic heart failure is associated with significantly increased short- and long-term mortality, but heart failure is not independently associated with increased 30-day mortality when adjusted for confounders.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): This study was endorsed by the ESICM. Free support for running the electronic database and was granted from the dep. of Epidemiology, University of Aarhus, Denmark. The support of the study in France by a grant from “Fondation Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris pour la recherche” is greatly appreciated. In Norway, the study was supported by a grant from the Health Region West. In addition, the study was supported by a grant from the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). EOSCsecretariat.eu has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Programme call H2020-INFRAEOSC-05-2018-2019, grant agreement number 831644. This work was supported by the Forschungskommission of the Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, No. 2018-32 to GW and No. 2020-21 to RRB for a Clinician Scientist Track.

A short review of ciraparantag in perspective of the currently available anticoagulant reversal agents

Despite the improved safety-profile of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), bleeding complications remain an important side effect of anticoagulant treatment. Although anticoagulant-specific antidotes are available, an universal anticoagulant reversal agent in case of life-threatening bleeding or emergency surgery is not yet available. Ciraparantag, a synthetic small molecule that inactivates heparins and DOAC, is a promising new reversal agent that has been investigated in phase 2 trials. In this short review we provide an overview of the preclinical and clinical evidence of ciraparantag, and compare strengths and weaknesses of ciraparantag and the currently available anticoagulant reversal strategies.

From the original SARS-CoV-2 strain to the Omicron variant: predictors of COVID-19 in ambulatory symptomatic children

OBJECTIVES

To determine the predictors of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test in a pediatric ambulatory setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional prospective study (November 2020-February 2022) of 93 ambulatory settings in France. We included symptomatic children < 15 years old tested for SARS-CoV-2. For each period corresponding to the spread of the original strain and its variants (period 1: original strain; period 2: Alpha, period 3: Delta; period 4: Omicron), we used a multivariate analysis to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) associated with COVID-19 among age, signs, symptoms or contact, and 95 % confidence intervals (95CIs).

RESULTS

Of 5,336 children, 13.9 % (95CI 13.0-14.8) had a positive test. During the first three periods, the positivity rate ranged from 5.6 % (95CI 4.6-6.7) to 12.6 % (95CI 10.8-14.6). The main factors associated with a positive test were contact with an infected adult at home or outside the home (aOR 11.5 [95CI 4.9-26.9] to 38.9 [95CI 19.3-78.7]) or an infected household child (aOR 15.0 [95CI 4.8-47.1] to 28.4 [95CI 8.7-92.6]). By contrast, during period 4, aORs for these predictors were substantially lower (2.3 [95CI 1.1-4.5] to 5.5 [95CI 3.2-7.7]), but the positivity rate was 45.7 % (95CI 42.3-49.2).

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric ambulatory settings, before the Omicron period, the main predictor of a positive test was contact with an infected person. During the Omicron period, the odds of these predictors were substantially lower while the positivity rate was higher. An accurate diagnostic strategy should only rely on testing and not on age, signs, symptoms or contact.

Predictors and Impact of Sulcal SAH after Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Isolated M2 Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Data on SAH after M2 mechanical thrombectomy are limited. We aimed to determine the prevalence of sulcal SAH after mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusion, its associated predictors, and the resulting clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for isolated M2 occlusion. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of sulcal SAH after M2 mechanical thrombectomy. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of sulcal SAH and unfavorable outcome (90-day mRS, 3-6).

RESULTS

Of the 209 enrolled patients, sulcal SAH was observed in 33 (15.8%) patients. The sulcal SAH group showed a higher rate of distal M2 occlusion (69.7% versus 22.7%), a higher of rate of superior division occlusion (63.6% versus 43.8%), and a higher M2 angulation (median, 128° versus 106°) than the non-sulcal SAH group. Of the 33 sulcal SAH cases, 23 (66.7%) were covert without visible intraprocedural contrast extravasation. Distal M2 occlusion (OR, 12.04; 95% CI, 4.56-35.67; P < .001), superior division (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.43-11.26; P = .010), M2 angulation (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P < .001), and the number of passes (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22-2.09; P < .001) were independent predictors of sulcal SAH. However, covert sulcal SAH was not associated with an unfavorable outcome (P = .830).

CONCLUSIONS

After mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusion, sulcal SAH was not uncommon and occurred more frequently with distal M2 occlusion, superior division, acute M2 angulation, and multiple thrombectomy passes (≥3). The impact of covert sulcal SAH was mostly benign and was not associated with an unfavorable outcome.

Evolution des facteurs de risque de forme grave de la COVID-19 à travers les trois vagues à partir des données du PMSI

Introduction

De nombreuses études ont établi une typologie des patients à risque de développer une forme grave de COVID-19. La grande majorité de ces études ne portent que sur la première vague de la COVID-19 alors que les profils à risque de développer des formes graves évoluent après les campagnes de vaccination. Cette étude a pour but d'analyser l’évolution des facteurs de risque cliniques de COVID-19 graves lors des différentes vagues afin d'ajuster l'offre de soins au contexte actuel.

Méthodes

Les données du PMSI du Centre hospitalier intercommunal de Créteil ont été analysées pendant les trois premières vagues de l'épidémie. Les variables cliniques disponibles étaient l’âge, le sexe et les comorbidités connues comme à risque de forme grave. Les formes graves étaient définies par le passage en réanimation, le recours à un support ventilatoire non invasif ou le décès du patient. L'évolution de la typologie des patients à risque a été analysée avec des méthodes classiques comme la régression multivariée ainsi qu'avec des techniques provenant de l'apprentissage automatique et de son sous-domaine qu'est l'explicabilité.

Résultats

Sur 1076 patients hospitalisés, les formes sévères concernaient 29 % (123/429) des patients de la vague 1, 31 % (66/214) de la vague 2 et 18 % (79/433) de la vague 3. Les facteurs de risque de la vague 1 étaient l'âge élevé ( ≥ 70 ans), le sexe masculin, le diabète et l'obésité, tandis que les problèmes cardiovasculaires apparaissaient comme des facteurs protecteurs. Les impacts de l'âge, du sexe étaient moins marqués pour la vague 3, de même que l'interaction entre l'âge et les comorbidités.

Discussion/Conclusion

Le profil des patients à risque a rapidement évolué au cours des vagues, la troisième vague ayant eu un écart bien moins net entre les formes sévères et non-sévères. Cette évolution peut provenir des changements des procédures médicales hospitalières ainsi que du début de la campagne de vaccination ciblant en premier lieu les personnes avec un risque élevé telles les personnes âgées ou présentant certaines comorbidités.

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute posterior cerebral artery stroke; Feasibility and predictors of outcome

PURPOSE

The territorial involvement and the clinical benefit of endovascular therapy (EVT) of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusion may vary between patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusions (IPCAOs) and the prognostic factors of EVT.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients with acute PCA occlusion who underwent EVT between Mar 2008 and Apr 2021 from 2 tertiary centers were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, imaging and perfusion abnormalities, and angiographic and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Ischemic changes were assessed with the posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography Score (pc-ASPECTS). Perfusion abnormalities were assessed using automated software for Tmax volume measurement and identification of Tmax involved in PCA eloquent areas.

RESULTS

The IPCAO sites were P1 (n = 17) and P2 (n = 31). Overall successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 68.8% (33/48) and excellent outcome (90-day mRS 0-1) in 52.1% (25/48) of the patients. Excellent/non-excellent outcome was associated with male sex (p = 0.036), admission NIHSS (p = 0.002), pc-ASPECTS (p = 0.035), Tmax > 6 s involvement of the midbrain-thalamus (p = 0.008), first-line stent-retriever thrombectomy (p = 0.036), complete recanalization (p = 0.009), and modified first pass effect (FPE, p = 0.047). Tmax>6 s involvement of the midbrain-thalamus was an independent predictor for non-excellent outcome on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

Acute stroke from IPCAO may be successfully treated with EVT. Tmax > 6 s involvement of the midbrain-thalamus on perfusion imaging may be a predictor for clinical outcome.

Abstract WP8: Blood Pressure And EVT Outcomes By The Baseline Perfusion And Recanalization Timing

Introduction: Leptomeningeal collaterals help maintain cerebral perfusion after the large vessel occlusion (LVO), potentially regulated by systemic blood pressure (BP). We hypothesized that the association between BP and endovascular treatment (EVT) outcomes would differ by the baseline perfusions status and before and after recanalization.

Method: From a prospective registry, we identified anterior circulation LVO patients who received EVT ≤24 hours after their onset, had baseline perfusion, and achieved post-EVT mTICI ≥2b. BPs were measured from arrival at 5-minute intervals in the ER and during the procedure. Systolic BPs (SBP) up to 24 hours after EVT were summarized as dropmax (the maximal decrement over two consecutive measurements), incmax (the maximal increment), mean, coefficient of variation, and standard deviation. Baseline perfusion images were quantified using Olea Sphere. Infarct proportion was defined as the volume of final infarct on DWI within the volume of Tmax>6 sec. Significant hemorrhage included PH2 or HBC class 3. 3-month mRS was prospectively collected.

Result: A total of 388 LVO patients were included. Mean SBP at arrival was 153 ± 42 mm Hg; the average count of BP measurements was 47 ± 17 per patient.In the adequate baseline perfusion group, i.e., hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) <0.5, SBP parameters were better associated with infarct proportion and functional outcome before the recanalization period; weaker associations were noted after recanalization. In the poor baseline perfusion group, i.e., HIR ≥0.5, SBP parameters before recanalization were partially associated with the infarct proportion but not functional status. No association between SBP parameters and significant hemorrhage was noted. (estimates in Table)

Conclusion: Association between BP and patient outcomes differs by baseline perfusion status and before and after recanalization. BP management during the peri-EVT period may therefore need to be individualized.

Predictive Accuracy of T2-FLAIR mismatch sign for the IDH-mutant, 1p/19q non-codeleted Low Grade Glioma: An updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

The T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch sign, has been considered a highly specific imaging biomarker of IDH-mutant, 1p/19q noncodeleted low-grade glioma. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T2-FLAIR mismatch sign for prediction of a patient with IDH-mutant, 1p/19q noncodeleted low-grade glioma, and identify the causes responsible for the heterogeneity across the included studies.

Methods

A systematic literature search in the Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed for studies reporting the relevant topic before November 17, 2020. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated using bivariate random-effects modeling. Meta-regression analyses were also performed to determine factors influencing heterogeneity.

Results

For all the 10 included cohorts from 8 studies, the pooled sensitivity was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28–53%), and the pooled specificity was 100% (95% CI 95–100%). In the hierarchic summary receiver operating characteristic curve, the difference between the 95% confidence and prediction regions was relatively large, indicating heterogeneity among the studies. Higgins I² statistics demonstrated considerable heterogeneity in sensitivity (I² = 83.5%) and considerable heterogeneity in specificity (I² = 95.83%). Among the potential covariates, it seemed that none of factors was significantly associated with study heterogeneity in the joint model. However, the specificity was increased in studies with all the factors based on the differences in the composition of the detailed tumors.

Conclusions

The T2-FLAIR mismatch sign is near-perfect specific marker of IDH mutation and 1p/19q noncodeletion.

Clinical outcomes of rescue stenting for failed endovascular thrombectomy: a multicenter prospective registry

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a primary endovascular modality for acute intracranial large vessel occlusion. However, further treatment, such as rescue stenting, is occasionally necessary for refractory cases. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of rescue stenting in first-line MT failure and to identify the clinical factors affecting its clinical outcome.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective registry was designed for this study. We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent rescue stenting for first-line MT failure. Endovascular details and outcomes, follow-up patency of the stented artery, and clinical outcomes were summarized and compared between the favorable and unfavorable outcome groups.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were included. Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis was the most common etiology for rescue stenting (97.4%). Seventy-seven patients (98.7%) were successfully recanalized by rescue stenting. A favorable outcome was observed in 66.7% of patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality were observed in 5.1% and 4.0% of patients, respectively. The stented artery was patent in 82.1% of patients on follow-up angiography. In a multivariable analysis, a patent stent on follow-up angiography was an independent factor for a favorable outcome (OR 87.6; 95% CI 4.77 to 1608.9; p=0.003). Postprocedural intravenous maintenance of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was significantly associated with the follow-up patency of the stented artery (OR 5.72; 95% CI 1.45 to 22.6; p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter prospective registry, rescue stenting for first-line MT failure was effective and safe. For a favorable outcome, follow-up patency of the stented artery was important, which was significantly associated with postprocedural maintenance of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Deep Learning-Based Computer-Aided Detection System for Automated Treatment Response Assessment of Brain Metastases on 3D MRI

BACKGROUND

Although accurate treatment response assessment for brain metastases (BMs) is crucial, it is highly labor intensive. This retrospective study aimed to develop a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for automated BM detection and treatment response evaluation using deep learning.

METHODS

We included 214 consecutive MRI examinations of 147 patients with BM obtained between January 2015 and August 2016. These were divided into the training (174 MR images from 127 patients) and test datasets according to temporal separation (temporal test set #1; 40 MR images from 20 patients). For external validation, 24 patients with BM and 11 patients without BM from other institutions were included (geographic test set). In addition, we included 12 MRIs from BM patients obtained between August 2017 and March 2020 (temporal test set #2). Detection sensitivity, dice similarity coefficient (DSC) for segmentation, and agreements in one-dimensional and volumetric Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases (RANO-BM) criteria between CAD and radiologists were assessed.

RESULTS

In the temporal test set #1, the sensitivity was 75.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.6%, 79.9%), mean DSC was 0.69 ± 0.22, and false-positive (FP) rate per scan was 0.8 for BM ≥ 5 mm. Agreements in the RANO-BM criteria were moderate (κ, 0.52) and substantial (κ, 0.68) for one-dimensional and volumetric, respectively. In the geographic test set, sensitivity was 87.7% (95% CI: 77.2%, 94.5%), mean DSC was 0.68 ± 0.20, and FP rate per scan was 1.9 for BM ≥ 5 mm. In the temporal test set #2, sensitivity was 94.7% (95% CI: 74.0%, 99.9%), mean DSC was 0.82 ± 0.20, and FP per scan was 0.5 (6/12) for BM ≥ 5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our CAD showed potential for automated treatment response assessment of BM ≥ 5 mm.

Real-world experience with the cusp overlap deployment technique for procedural optimization during self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve implantation: our city best practice trial

Background

Aortic valve stenosis treated by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a fast-growing section in interventional cardiology. Optimal implantation depth (ID) of self-expanding TAVI devices is an important condition for hemodynamic and clinical outcomes. The cusp overlap technique (COT) offers optimized fluoroscopic projections for TAVI with self-expanding devices due to improved anatomic discrimination by elongation of the left ventricular outflow tract and isolation of the non-coronary cusp (NCC) for better assessment of ID.

Purpose

This single-center observational study aims to investigate short-term clinical performance, safety, and efficiency outcomes regarding optimized ID in patients undergoing transfemoral TAVI with self-expanding prostheses and COT.

Methods

From September 2020 to December 2020, a total of 71 patients underwent TAVI with a newer-generation self-expanding device and COT. The optimal fluoroscopic projection was generated by overlapping the right (RCC) and left coronary cusps (LCC) on the multidetector computed tomography annular plane. Final ID was assessed by the arithmetic mean of distances measured from NCC and LCC to the distal prosthesis end. Outcomes were compared with a control cohort of 339 patients who underwent TAVI from January 2016 to August 2020 with a three-cusp coplanar view only during valve deployment.

Results

ID was significantly reduced in the COT cohort (4.3±1.9 vs. 5.0±2.3 mm; p=0.012) with better achievement of optimal ID (2–4 mm) (63.4% vs. 49.9%; p=0.03) and optimization of delta NCC-LCC ID symmetry (1.4±1.3 vs. 1.7±1.3 mm; p=0.026). The rate of pacemaker implantation following TAVI could be reduced (9.9% vs. 19.4%; p=0.05). Six of the seven patients receiving pacemaker in the COT cohort (85.7%) showed ID above membranous septum length. COT resulted in notably higher rates of device repositioning by recapturing (57.8% vs. 16.2%; p&lt;0.001) compared to control cohort. Though, procedure time was prolonged in the COT cohort (82.0±26.5 vs. 74.9±27.5 min; p=0.05) while radiation dose and amount of contrast medium did not differ between the cohorts. No difference was observed in hemodynamic outcomes regarding transvalvular pressure gradients and at least moderate paravalvular leak. Patients implanted with COT had a shorter length of hospital stay (7.1±6.0 vs. 10.3±6.8 days; p&lt;0.001), possibly due to a lower complication rate regarding new conduction disturbances and pacemaker implantation.

Conclusion

TAVI using the cusp overlap deployment technique is associated with an optimized implantation depth and a low rate of procedural complications. Therefore, a reduction of new pacemaker implantations and shortened length of hospital stay could be achieved.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Crucial role of extra-domain A containing fibronectin for the development of pulmonary hypertension and associated right heart failure

Background

Pulmonary vascular and right ventricular myocardial remodelling are unique phenomena in PH progression. Both processes are accompanied by an abundant re-expression of the extra-domain A of fibronectin (ED-A+ Fn) therefore qualifying as promising biomarker or even therapeutic target. Nevertheless, its functional role in PH pathogenesis remains unclear until now. Objective: The purpose of our study was to analyse the development of PH and RHF in a mouse model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH comparing C57BL/6 ED-A+ Fn knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice.

Methods

PH was induced by subcutaneous injection of a single dose of MCT (60 mg/kg body weight). Subgroups were additionally treated with the dual endothelin receptor antagonist Macitentan (MAC, 15mg/kg body weight per day from day 14 to 28). There were 6 experimental groups: sham-treated control WT mice (WTco, n=4); MCT induced PH WT mice (WTPH, n=6); MCT induced PH WT mice treated with MAC (WTPH_MAC, n=6); sham-treated control KO mice (KOco, n=4); MCT induced PH KO mice (KOPH, n=6); MCT induced PH KO mice treated with MAC (KOPH_MAC, n=6). Between day 26 and 28, transthoracic echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed. Both, lung and cardiac tissue samples were subjected to histological analyses.

Results

Right heart catheterization revealed significantly increased RVPsys values in WTPH (87.0±16.4mmHg) compared to WTco (36.1±9.4mmHg; p=0.034) animals, which showed, at least in trend, a diminution in the WTPH_MAC group (67.1±20.9mmHg; p=n.s.). There was a non-significant increase in RVPsys in the KOPH (55.6±14.9mmHg) compared to KOco mice (37.2±5.6mmHg; p=n.s.) without any differences compared to the KOPH_MAC group (60.9±14.0mmHg; p=n.s.). When comparing the WTPH and the KOPH group, RVPsys was significantly lower in the KO animals (p=0.014), while there were no differences between the WTPH_MAC and the KOPH_MAC group (p=n.s.). Echocardiographic evaluation including surrogate parameters of right ventricular (RV) overload and failure were significantly altered in WTPH compared to WTco animals (p&lt;0.05) and could not be shown to be relevantly improved in the WTPH_MAC group (p=n.s.). The majority of echocardiographic parameters did not significantly differ between the KOPH and the KOco group (p=n.s.). Lung tissue analysis revealed significant alterations in both, the WTPH and the KOPH group, each compared to the corresponding control (p&lt;0.05). The level of lung tissue damage was significantly decreased in KOPH compared to WTPH mice (p&lt;0.05). In RV, the amount of interstitial fibrosis was increased in the WTPH (p=0.009) but not in the KOPH group (p=n.s.), each compared to the corresponding controls.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study underline the hypothesis that ED-A+ Fn is a key player in the pathogenesis of PH and associated RHF. Thus, it might represent a promising therapeutic target, e.g., by the administration of neutralizing antibodies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): University Hospital Jena

Rapid pacing is an independent predictor for high implantation depth using self-expandable devices in TAVR

Background/Introduction

Optimizing valve implantation depth (ID) plays a crucial role in minimizing conduction disturbances and achieving optimal functional integrity. Until now, the impact of intraprocedural fast (FP) or rapid ventricular pacing (RP) on the implantation depth has not been investigated.

Purpose

Therefore, we aimed to 1) evaluate the impact of different pacing maneuvers on ID, and 2) identify the independent predictors of deep ID.

Methods

562 TAVR patients with newer-generation self-expandable devices were retrospectively enrolled and further separated into patients undergoing TAVR under FP (n=331; 58.9%) and RP (n=231; 41.1%). The final ID was analyzed, and the underlying functional, anatomical, and procedural conditions were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The highest ID was reached under RP in severe aortic valve calcification and valve size 26 mm. Multivariate analysis identified left ventricular outflow (LVOT) calcification (OR 0.56 [0.37–0.85], p=0.006*), a bicuspid valve (OR 0.34 [0.11–1.0], p=0.049*), valve size 26 mm (OR 0.47 [0.28–0.81], p=0.006*), and RP (OR 0.57 [0.37–0.87], p=0.010*) as independent and highly preventable predictors for deep valve deployment. Independent risk factors for deep ID were the use of a 34 mm device (OR 1.96 [1.22–3.15], p=0.005*) and mild aortic valve calcification (OR 1.62 [0.01–2.61], p=0.046*). In a model of protective factors, ID was significantly reduced with the number of protective criteria (0–2 criteria: −5.6±2.6 mm vs. 3–5 criteria: −4.5±2.0 mm; p&lt;0.0001*).

Conclusion

Data from this retrospective analysis indicate that RP is an independent predictor to reach a higher implantation depth using self-expandable devices.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Electrocardiographic predictors of recovery from pacemaker dependency after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a meta-analysis

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a well-established alternative to surgery for the treatment of patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at high and intermediate surgical risk. The occurrence of electrical conduction disturbances with the need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation remains one of the most frequent complications of the procedure. But PPM dependency after TAVI is often transient and conduction abnormalities may improve over time.

Purpose

We performed a meta-analysis to summarize available studies that reported the incidence of new PPM after TAVI and investigated the rate and possible predictors of recovery from PPM dependency during follow-up.

Methods

The authors conducted a literature search in PubMed and MEDLINE databases from January of 2012 until February of 2021. Eleven observational studies (n=6794) met inclusion criteria for the final analysis. The effect size was estimated using a random-effects model with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

PPM implantation was performed in 902 patients after TAVI (13.3%), mostly due to high degree atrioventricular (AV) block (81.3%). A follow-up of 683 patients was performed after a median period of 139 days. 322 of the patients examined during follow-up (48.6%) showed recovery from PPM dependency. Regarding secondary endpoints' analysis of relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) predictors of PPM recovery during follow-up were female sex (RR 1.37; 95% CI 1.10–1.71; p=0.006), preexisting coronary artery disease (RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.99–1.27; p=0.08) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (MD −2.08%; 95% CI 0.23–3.93%; p=0.03). ECG predictors for long-term PPM dependency after TAVI appeared to be preexisting right bundle branch block (RBBB) (RR 1.84; 95% CI 1.38–2.45; p&lt;0.0001), bifascicular block (RR 4.41; 95% CI 1.64–11.86; p=0.003) and prolonged QRS duration (MD 8.69 ms; 95% CI 0.11–17.28 ms; p=0.05). While postprocedural complete heart block was highly predictive for long-term PPM dependency after TAVI (RR 1.35; 95% CI 0.97–1.89; p&lt;0.0001), patients with recovery of PPM dependency showed more indications other than complete heart block for PPM implantation like lower degree AV block or sick sinus syndrome (RR 2.28; 95% CI 1.53–3.38; p&lt;0.0001). Especially postprocedural AV block grade I (RR 1.73; 95% CI 0.96–3.14; p=0.07) and new left bundle branch block (LBBB) (RR 1.94; 95% CI 1.22–3.08; p=0.005) turned out to be predictors of PPM recovery during follow-up.

Conclusion

This structured meta-analysis proved new PPM implantation in 13.3% of patients following TAVI with half of the cases (48.6%) recovering from PPM dependency during follow-up. Therefore, it should be considered to carefully reassess the indication for PPM rather than to immediately implant PPM after TAVI, especially regarding postprocedural ECG predictors for early pacemaker recovery (lower degree AV block, postprocedural LBBB).

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Random antral follicle count performed on any day of the menstrual cycle has the same predictive value as AMH for good ovarian response in IVF cycles

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the predictive value of AFC for ovarian response to stimulation for IVF depends on the day of the menstrual cycle when ultrasound is performed.

METHODS

410 women undergoing their first IVF cycle were included. All the women had AFC performed twice. The first measurement, random AFC (r-AFC), was performed during the fertility workup whatever the day of their menstrual cycle. Three groups were constituted according to the period of ultrasound performance: at early follicular phase i.e., day 1 to day 6 (eFP-AFC); at mid follicular phase i.e., day 7 to 12 (mFP-AFC) and at luteal phase i.e., day 13 or after (LP-AFC). A second AFC measurement was performed before the start of the ovarian stimulation (SD1-AFC). AMH dosing was done in the early follicular phase.

RESULTS

Random AFC (r-AFC) was correlated to AMH (r = 0.69; p<0.001), SD1-AFC (r = 0.75; p<0.001) and number of oocytes retrieved (r = 0.49; p<0.001). When regarding AFC depending on the cycle day group, the correlation with AMH was 0.65, 0.66 and 0.85 for the eFP-AFC, the mFP-AFC and the LP-AFC respectively (all p were <0.001). The ROC analysis showed the same predictive value for good ovarian response (more than 6 oocytes retrieved) for the eFP-AFC, mFP-AFC and LP-AFC (AUC 0.73, 0.75 and 0.84 respectively; p = 0.28). The AUC of r-AFC (0.76) were similar to those of AMH (0.74) and SD1-AFC (0.74) (p = 0.21 and 0.92 respectively).

CONCLUSION

AFC is strongly correlated with AMH and highly predictive of good ovarian response during the whole menstrual cycle.

Cerebral angiographic features of central retinal artery occlusion patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis

BACKGROUND

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ischemic stroke of the eye. The atherosclerotic lesions in the intracranial segment of the carotid artery (CA) and the ophthalmic artery (OphA) are not well defined. We aimed to investigate the cerebral angiographic features of CRAO patients and assess the relationship between the angiographic features and outcomes after intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT).

METHODS

We included 101 acute non-arteritic CRAO patients treated with IAT. We analyzed the detailed angiographic features of the OphA and ipsilateral CA, visual acuity, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography.

RESULTS

Of the 101 patients, 38 patients (37.6%) had steno-occlusive lesions in the OphA, and 62 patients (61.4%) had atherosclerotic lesions in the ipsilateral CA. The patients with a higher degree of stenosis in the OphA showed a higher degree of stenosis (P=0.049) and a more severe morphology of plaque (P=0.000) in the ipsilateral CA. Additionally, although the visual outcome was not associated with these angiographic features, the lower degree of stenosis and less severe morphology of plaque in the ipsilateral CA resulted in a significant improvement in early reperfusion rate (P=0.018 and P=0.014, respectively) and arm-to-retina circulation (P=0.016 and P=0.002, respectively) of the eye after IAT.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant correlation in the severity of steno-occlusive lesions between the OphA and the ipsilateral CA in patients with CRAO. The patients with less severe angiographic features in the CA showed a more improved retinal reperfusion after IAT. The angiographic findings in the CA may serve as a predictive marker for the vessel integrity of the OphA and recanalization outcome after IAT.

Local Intra-arterial Thrombolysis during Mechanical Thrombectomy for Refractory Large-Vessel Occlusion: Adjunctive Chemical Enhancer of Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Data on adjunctive intra-arterial thrombolysis during mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy for refractory large-vessel occlusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the use of intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunctive therapy during mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus: the urokinase and nonurokinase groups. Herein, refractory thrombus was defined as the target occlusion with minimal reperfusion (TICI 0 or 1) despite >3 attempts with conventional mechanical thrombectomy. The baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, and clinical outcome were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen cases of refractory thrombus were identified. A total of 45 and 69 patients were in the urokinase and the nonurokinase groups, respectively. The urokinase group compared with the nonurokinase group showed a higher rate of successful reperfusion (82.2% versus 63.8%, P = .034), with lower procedural times (54 versus 69 minutes, P = .137). The rates of good clinical outcome, distal embolism, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were similar between the 2 groups. The use of intra-arterial urokinase (OR = 3.682; 95% CI, 1.156-11.730; P = .027) was an independent predictor of successful reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of local intra-arterial urokinase as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy may be an effective and safe method that provides better recanalization than the conventional mechanical thrombectomy for refractory thrombus in patients with embolic large-vessel occlusion.

P–599 random antral follicle count, performed at any day of the menstrual cycle, demonstrates the same predictive value for ovarian response in in vitro fertilization cycles

Study question

Does antral follicle count (AFC) retains its predictive value for ovarian response to stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) throughout the whole menstrual cycle?

Summary answer

AFC is strongly correlated to anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and highly predictive of good ovarian response whatever the day of cycle the ultrasound is performed.

What is known already

Usually performed in the early follicular phase (at day 2–3 of the menstrual cycle), AFC and AMH are the most accurate markers of ovarian reserve. They are routinely used to predict ovarian response to ovarian stimulation for IVF and eventually to individualize the gonadotropin starting dose.

Study design, size, duration

Retrospective cohort study performed between January, 2017 and December, 2019.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

410 consecutive women aged 20 to 42 years were included. Random AFC (r-AFC) was performed during the fertility workup whatever the day of their menstrual cycle was: early follicular phase i.e. day 1 to day 6 (eFP-AFC), mid follicular phase i.e. day 7 to 12 (mFP-AFC) and luteal phase i.e. day 13 or after (LP-AFC). A second AFC was performed before the start of the stimulation (SD1-AFC). AMH was measured in the early follicular phase.

Main results and the role of chance

Random AFC (r-AFC) was correlated to AMH (r = 0.692; p &lt; 0.001), SD1-AFC (r = 0.756; p &lt; 0.001) and number of oocytes retrieved (r = 0.491; p &lt; 0.001). When regarding AFC depending on the cycle day group, the correlation with AMH was significantly higher for the LP-AFC, (LP-AFC) (r = 0.853) than for the eFP-AFC (r = 0.657; p &lt; 0.001) and for the mFP-AFC (r = 0.668). The correlation with SD1-AFC was similar regardless of the time of performance of r-AFC (r = 0.739, 0.783, 0.733, respectively for eFP, mFP and LP-AFC). Moreover, the ROC analysis showed the same predictive value for good ovarian response (more than 6 oocytes retrieved) for the eFP-AFC, mFP-AFC and LP-AFC (AUC 0.73, 0.75 and 0.84 respectively) as well as for AMH and SD1-AFC (AUC 0.74 and 0.74, respectively).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is a retrospective analysis, however data were prospectively collected and the method for ultrasound acquisition of AFC was standardized.

Wider implications of the findings: The absence of significant variation of AFC across the menstrual cycle allows to its random performance. Ultrasound performed besides early follicular phase discloses informations on ovaries, the uterus and the endometrium. It is more comfortable and convenient for women and physicians by limiting targeted appointment during menstruation and reiterated examination.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Selective Photocoagulation of Capillary Macroaneurysms by Navigated Focal Laser

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcome of selective photocoagulation of capillary macroaneurysms (CMAs) by navigated focal laser.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with solitary or secondary CMAs greater than 150 mm in diameter were included in this analysis. All patients were treated with navigated focal laser and received multimodal imaging.

RESULTS

Seventeen eyes of 17 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Navigated laser photocoagulation of the CMAs successfully occluded 100% of the CMAs, inducing significative improvement in best-corrected visual acuity at 3 (P = .002) and 6 months (P = .001) and a decrease in central macular thickness (CMT) at 3 (P = .0004) and 6 months (P = .0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Solitary or secondary CMAs arising from retinal capillaries are candidates for navigated laser treatment. Navigated focal treatment was able to close all CMAs in this series with an improvement in vision and CMT. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:366-373.].

Combination of Rescue Stenting and Antiplatelet Infusion Improved Outcomes for Acute Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Large-Vessel Occlusion

Background and Purpose: Intracranial atherosclerosis-related large-vessel occlusion caused by in situ thrombo-occlusion (ICAS-LVO) has been regarded an important reason for refractoriness to mechanical thrombectomy (MT). To achieve better outcomes for ICAS-LVO, different endovascular strategies should be explored. We aimed to investigate an optimal endovascular strategy for ICAS-LVO.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed three prospective registries of acute stroke underwent endovascular treatment. Among them, patients with ICAS-LVO were assigned to four groups based on their endovascular strategy: (1) MT alone, (2) rescue intracranial stenting after MT failure (MT-RS), (3) glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor infusion after MT failure (MT-GPI), and (4) a combination of MT-RS and MT-GPI (MT-RS+GPI). Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared among the groups. To evaluate whether the endovascular strategy resulted in favorable outcome, multivariable analysis was also performed.

Results: A total of 184 patients with ICAS-LVO were included. Twenty-four patients (13.0%) were treated with MT alone, 25 (13.6%) with MT-RS, 84 (45.7%) with MT-GPI, and 51 (27.7%) with MT-RS+GPI. The MT-RS+GPI group showed the highest recanalization efficiency (98.0%). Frequency of patent arteries on follow-up (98.0%, p < 0.001) and favorable outcome (84.3%, p < 0.001) were higher in the MT-RS+GPI group than other groups. The MT-RS+GPI strategy remained an independent factor for favorable outcome (odds ratio, 20.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.97–211.4; p = 0.012).

Conclusion: Endovascular strategy was significantly associated with procedural and clinical outcomes in acute stroke by ICAS-LVO. A combination of RS and GPI infusion might be an optimal rescue modality when frontline MT fails.

Classification of true progression after radiotherapy of brain metastasis on MRI using artificial intelligence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Classification of true progression from nonprogression (eg, radiation-necrosis) after stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery of brain metastasis is known to be a challenging diagnostic task on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The scope and status of research using artificial intelligence (AI) on classifying true progression are yet unknown.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies that investigated the performance of AI-assisted MRI in classifying true progression after stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery of brain metastasis, published before November 11, 2020. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using bivariate random-effects modeling. Meta-regression was performed for the identification of factors contributing to the heterogeneity among the studies. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) criteria and a modified version of the radiomics quality score (RQS).

Results

Seven studies were included, with a total of 485 patients and 907 tumors. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 77% (95% CI, 70–83%) and 74% (64–82%), respectively. All 7 studies used radiomics, and none used deep learning. Several covariates including the proportion of lung cancer as the primary site, MR field strength, and radiomics segmentation slice showed a statistically significant association with the heterogeneity. Study quality was overall favorable in terms of the QUADAS-2 criteria, but not in terms of the RQS.

Conclusion

The diagnostic performance of AI-assisted MRI seems yet inadequate to be used reliably in clinical practice. Future studies with improved methodologies and a larger training set are needed.

Impact of COVID-19 on surgical emergencies: nationwide analysis

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on healthcare in many countries. This study assessed the effect of a nationwide lockdown in France on admissions for acute surgical conditions and the subsequent impact on postoperative mortality.

Methods

This was an observational analytical study, evaluating data from a national discharge database that collected all discharge reports from any hospital in France. All adult patients admitted through the emergency department and requiring a surgical treatment between 17 March and 11 May 2020, and the equivalent period in 2019 were included. The primary outcome was the change in number of hospital admissions for acute surgical conditions. Mortality was assessed in the matched population, and stratified by region.

Results

During the lockdown period, 57 589 consecutive patients were admitted for acute surgical conditions, representing a decrease of 20.9 per cent compared with the 2019 cohort. Significant differences between regions were observed: the decrease was 15.6, 17.2, and 26.8 per cent for low-, intermediate- and high-prevalence regions respectively. The mortality rate was 1.92 per cent during the lockdown period and 1.81 per cent in 2019. In high-prevalence zones, mortality was significantly increased (odds ratio 1.22, 95 per cent c.i. 1.06 to 1.40).

Conclusion

A marked decrease in hospital admissions for surgical emergencies was observed during the lockdown period, with increased mortality in regions with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 infection. Health authorities should use these findings to preserve quality of care and deliver appropriate messages to the population.

Iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of iron-sensitive sequences targeting the substantia nigra for distinguishing patients with Parkinson's disease from control participants and to identify factors causing heterogeneity.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in the Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed for studies reporting the relevant topic before March 6, 2020. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated using bivariate random-effects modeling. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were also performed to determine factors influencing heterogeneity affecting the diagnostic performance among the clinical, MRI, and analytic characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 22 articles including 1126 patients with Parkinson's disease and 933 control participants were enrolled in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Of those, 12 studies used objective analyses of quantitative susceptibility measurements, and 10 visually assessed the nigrosome-1 in subjective analyses. Iron-sensitive nigral magnetic resonance imaging showed a pooled sensitivity of 92% (95% confidence interval 88-95%) and a pooled specificity of 90% (95% confidence interval 81-95%). According to subgroup and meta-regression analyses, a longer mean disease duration in patients with Parkinson's disease (≥ 5 years), subjective analysis, a smaller size of pixel (< 0.6 mm²), a larger flip angle (> 15°), a smaller slice thickness (≤ 1 mm), and specific targeting of the substantia nigra pars compacta improved the diagnostic performance.

CONCLUSION

Iron-sensitive nigral magnetic resonance imaging had a favorable diagnostic performance in discriminating patients with Parkinson's disease from control participants. Subjective analytic methods remain superior to objective approaches. Further improvements of the spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio to specifically target the nigrosome-1 with objective analytic methods will be needed.

Assessment of the severity of infant crying and its impact on parents: Development and validation of the ColiQ Questionnaire in France

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire that comprehensively assesses symptoms and severity of crying, symptoms suggesting infant functional gastrointestinal discomfort, and its impact on parents' quality of life: the Infant Colic Questionnaire (ColiQ©). For the first time, parents had access to a web application to follow their infants' evolving symptoms with a daily questionnaire.

METHODS

The ColiQ was developed with a board of clinical experts (physicians and psychologists) based on extensive parent input. A longitudinal, observational study was conducted in France for 3 months. ColiQ assessments were collected online at six different time points. Psychometric testing demonstrated that ColiQ has acceptable psychometric properties (reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness).

RESULTS

The ColiQ is a 16-question instrument developed in French including ten questions describing symptoms (Infant score) and six questions describing impacts (Parent score). The ColiQ demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC >0.70), internal consistency for both the Symptom and Impact subscale scores (Cronbach's α >0.70), and construct validity. Responsiveness was good; the ColiQ was able to detect significant improvement in the target population as early as 1 month (p<0.05). The global ColiQ score discriminated between severity levels (mild, medium, severe).

CONCLUSIONS

The ColiQ was developed with input from parents and healthcare professionals and has shown validity, reliably, and responsiveness to change. Parents can use the web application to follow how their infants' symptoms evolve. The ColiQ can help parents quantify and verbalize their concerns during consultations, and provides an opportunity to facilitate conversations between the physician and parents.